Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a public research university located in Kennesaw, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. Established in 1963 as Kennesaw Junior College, the institution became a four-year college in 1976 and ultimately achieved university status in 1996. KSU is the third-largest university in Georgia and is part of the University System of Georgia.
Here is an overview of Kennesaw State University:
1. Location: KSU's main campus is situated in Kennesaw, Georgia, approximately 25 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta. The university also has a secondary campus in Marietta, Georgia, which was formerly the Southern Polytechnic State University before its consolidation with KSU in 2015.
2. Academics: Kennesaw State University offers over 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs across its 13 colleges and schools. These include the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Science and Mathematics, the College of the Arts, the Bagwell College of Education, the Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, and the Coles College of Business, among others.
3. Research: KSU is classified as an R2 Doctoral University, indicating high research activity. The university supports various research initiatives and interdisciplinary projects through its centers and institutes, such as the Center for Sustainable Journalism, the Center for the Study of the Civil War Era, and the Center for Election Systems.
4. Student Life: KSU has a diverse student population of over 41,000, with students coming from all 50 states and more than 90 countries. The university offers a vibrant campus life with over 300 student clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities catering to a wide range of interests, including academics, sports, arts, and cultural appreciation.
5. Campus Facilities: KSU's campuses feature a mix of historic and modern architecture, with academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational facilities. The Sturgis Library on the Kennesaw campus and the Lawrence V. Johnson Library on the Marietta campus serve as the main libraries, offering extensive resources, research assistance, and study spaces.
6. Athletics: Kennesaw State University is a member of NCAA Division I and competes in the ASUN Conference (formerly the Atlantic Sun Conference). The university's sports teams, known as the Owls, participate in various sports such as basketball, soccer, football, and track and field.
7. Notable Alumni: Kennesaw State University has produced a number of accomplished graduates across various fields, including business, education, public service, and sports. Some well-known KSU alumni include Ty Pennington, a television host and philanthropist; Emily Saliers, a musician and member of the Indigo Girls; and Daniel Malloy, a former mayor of Stamford, Connecticut.
Please note that specific information about programs, campus facilities, and other details may change over time. It is always a good idea to visit the university's official website for the most up-to-date information.